Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs Subaru Outback: Which Suv Reigns Supreme In Winter Wonderlands?

When it comes to navigating snowy terrains, two vehicles that often come to mind are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Subaru Outback. Both are renowned for their capabilities in challenging weather conditions, but how do they compare against each other? In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the depths of their features, performance, and overall suitability for snowy adventures, helping you make an informed decision about which one reigns supreme in snowy conditions.

Performance in Snow: Traction, Handling, and Stability

1. Traction:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee: With its rugged build, powerful engine options, and available four-wheel drive system, the Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers exceptional traction on snowy roads. Its Selec-Terrain system allows drivers to choose the optimal driving mode for different conditions, enhancing its grip and stability.

• Subaru Outback: Known for its symmetrical all-wheel drive system, the Subaru Outback distributes power evenly to all four wheels, providing superior traction and control in slippery conditions. Its X-Mode system further enhances its off-road capabilities, making it a formidable contender in snowy environments.

2. Handling:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s sturdy suspension and responsive steering offer precise handling and stability, even on snow-covered roads. Its Quadra-Lift air suspension system allows for adjustable ride height, providing better ground clearance when needed.

• Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback’s well-balanced chassis and well-tuned suspension provide agile handling and confident cornering in snowy conditions. Its low center of gravity contributes to its overall stability, making it a surefooted companion on snowy roads.

3. Stability:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s electronic stability control system, along with its traction control and anti-lock brakes, work in harmony to maintain stability and prevent skidding on slippery surfaces. Its sturdy construction further enhances its overall stability, making it a reliable choice for snowy adventures.

• Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback’s Vehicle Dynamics Control system, combined with its all-wheel drive system, ensures stability and control in snowy conditions. Its active torque vectoring system further enhances its stability by distributing power to the wheels with the most traction, preventing loss of control.

Features for Enhanced Snow Performance

1. Snow Tires:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers optional snow tires, specifically designed to provide superior traction and grip on snowy and icy roads. These tires enhance the vehicle’s overall performance in winter conditions, ensuring safer and more confident driving.

• Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback comes standard with all-season tires, which provide adequate traction in light snow conditions. However, for severe winter weather, it is recommended to switch to dedicated snow tires for optimal performance and safety.

2. Heated Seats and Steering Wheel:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers heated front and rear seats, as well as a heated steering wheel, providing additional comfort and warmth during cold winter drives. These features enhance the overall driving experience and make winter commutes more enjoyable.

• Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback also offers heated front and rear seats, along with a heated steering wheel, ensuring a comfortable and warm cabin even in the harshest winter conditions. These features contribute to the vehicle’s overall appeal and make it a great choice for snowy adventures.

3. Remote Start:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes equipped with a remote start system, allowing drivers to start the vehicle and warm up the cabin before entering, even on the coldest winter mornings. This convenient feature adds to the overall comfort and convenience of the vehicle.

• Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback also offers a remote start system, enabling drivers to remotely start the vehicle and pre-heat the cabin, ensuring a comfortable and warm interior before embarking on their journey. This feature enhances the vehicle’s practicality and convenience in winter conditions.

Safety Features for Snowy Conditions

1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):

• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents in snowy conditions.

• Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback also comes equipped with an array of ADAS features, such as lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, providing drivers with added confidence and peace of mind while navigating snowy roads.

2. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s ABS and traction control systems work together to prevent wheel lockup and loss of control during braking and acceleration on slippery surfaces, enhancing safety in snowy conditions.

• Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback’s ABS and traction control systems also play a crucial role in maintaining stability and control on snowy roads. These systems prevent wheel lockup and reduce the risk of skidding, ensuring safer driving in winter conditions.

3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC):

• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s ESC system helps maintain stability and control by detecting and correcting any loss of traction, preventing skidding and enhancing overall safety in snowy conditions.

• Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback’s ESC system also actively monitors and adjusts the vehicle’s stability, preventing skidding and maintaining control on slippery surfaces, making it a safer choice for winter driving.

Fuel Efficiency in Snowy Conditions

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee:

• City: 19 MPG
• Highway: 26 MPG

2. Subaru Outback:

• City: 26 MPG
• Highway: 35 MPG

Pricing and Availability

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee:

• Starting Price: $37,995
• Availability: Widely available at Jeep dealerships nationwide

2. Subaru Outback:

• Starting Price: $26,645
• Availability: Readily available at Subaru dealerships across the country

The Bottom Line: The Ultimate Choice for Snowy Adventures

After a thorough comparison of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Subaru Outback in snowy conditions, it becomes evident that both vehicles offer exceptional capabilities and features for navigating winter terrains. The Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out with its rugged build, powerful engine options, and advanced four-wheel drive system, making it a formidable choice for tackling challenging snow-covered roads. On the other hand, the Subaru Outback impresses with its symmetrical all-wheel drive system, X-Mode system, and excellent fuel efficiency, making it a versatile and practical option for snowy commutes and outdoor adventures. Ultimately, the choice between these two capable vehicles depends on individual preferences, budget, and specific driving needs.

FAQ:

Q1. Which vehicle has better traction in snow, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Subaru Outback?

A. Both vehicles offer excellent traction in snow, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Selec-Terrain system and available four-wheel drive system give it a slight edge in challenging conditions.

Q2. Which vehicle handles better in snow, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Subaru Outback?

A. Both vehicles handle well in snow, but the Subaru Outback‘s lower center of gravity and well-tuned suspension provide it with slightly better handling and stability on snowy roads.

Q3. Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient in snow, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Subaru Outback?

A. The Subaru Outback is more fuel-efficient in snow, with an estimated 26 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway, compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee‘s 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.